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Associated Press

JUNEAU- A small group of residents gathered in Alaska's capital city to mark the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech.

"Let Freedom Ring" bell-ringing ceremonies were planned across the country at 11 a.m. Alaska time Wednesday to commemorate the 1963 demonstration for jobs, economic justice and racial equality in Washington, D.C.

Participants in Juneau shook bear bells, hand bells and cow bells at the appointed time in a plaza across from the state Capitol. They then joined hands and sang "We Shall Overcome."

Lin Davis helped organize the event. She said it was important to her to take part.

As an activist for equal rights for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people, she says she's been inspired by the civil rights movement and its leaders.